Alachua County residents have increased their physical activity but are still getting larger, according to new study data.
The study, released this month by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, found that Florida experienced one of the most “big gains in physical activity.”
According to the study, Alachua County residents’ physical activity increased between 2001 and 2011, along with the national statistic, while obesity rose, also in line with the national average.
The increase in physical activity could be a reflection of local and national health campaigns, said Crystal Lim, Ph.D., a UF research assistant professor in the Department of Clinical and Health Psychology.
“I think it could mean that certain counties in Florida are doing a better job of encouraging their residents to engage in more physical activity,” she said.
In Alachua County, the percentage of men getting “sufficient physical activity” rose from 62.6 percent in 2001 to 63.3 percent in 2011, according to the study. For women, the amount increased from 52.4 percent to 53.8 percent in the same period.
For obesity, the rate for men rose from 21.8 percent in 2001 to 28.6 percent in 2011. The rate among women increased from 23 percent to 33.7 percent, according to the study.
However, the study showed Alachua County men and women were slimmer than the national average, which was at 33.8 percent and 36.1 percent, respectively, in 2011.
Lim said age may factor into the obesity rate, and Florida generally has more retirees. As adults get older, it becomes harder to shed weight and stay active, she said.
Some UF students formed their own explanations.
UF anthropology junior Karla Aguayo, 20, said people may consume too many “fad” health items such as energy drinks and protein shakes.
Tim Dupree, a 22-year-old UF accounting graduate student, said perhaps some active adults view food as a reward after exercise.
“It’s like, ‘Oh, I just finished working out, so now I can have a milkshake,’” he said.
Aaron Crews, a 19-year-old UF health sciences sophomore plays tennis at the Southwest Recreational Facilities on Monday afternoon.
